UCISA represents almost all the major UK universities and higher education colleges and has a growing membership among further education colleges, other educational institutions and commercial organisations interested in information systems and technology in UK education, providing a network of contacts and a powerful lobbying voice.
Information systems and technology are increasingly important in further and higher education. Government, funding bodies and powerful commercial interests recognise this, each bringing its agenda and initiatives to bear on individual institutions. In this ever more complex and demanding climate, UCISA plays a vital role as the key membership organisation representing those responsible for delivering information systems and technology services in universities, colleges and related institutions.
Although primarily focused on the higher education sector, increasing integration, shared concerns and strengthening relationships across all sectors mean that UCISA membership is of value to many other types of educational institution.
UCISA is also important to those with a commercial interest in the education sector, especially through the annual conferences, which provide a unique opportunity to meet and communicate with those involved in information systems and technology delivery within universities and colleges.
UCISA is an open, impartial and representative association. It provides a national and international presence for the people who make information systems and services work. It helps them to share best practice, maximise cost effectiveness, develop ideas and inform and support policy making within their institution, nationally and internationally.
UCISA exists to promote excellence in the application of information systems and services in support of teaching, learning, research and administration in higher and further education.
Its aims are:
To inform and support policy making processes within institutions and nationally on the cost effective application of information systems and services.
- To identify best practice and to spread its use through
- the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops;
- the promotion and support of collaboration between institutions;
- the publication, including electronic publication, of material;
- the promotion of development and research;